[Updated] The U.S. Coast Guard touched down in Bermuda this afternoon [Dec 6], with the aircraft taking part in a search mission for a Canadian-flagged boat which departed Bermuda on November 27th heading to Puerto Rico.

The Duty Officer at the Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre said, “The U.S. Coast Guard are currently searching for the 34ft white & blue Canadian flagged sloop ‘Exception’ which departed Bermuda on the 27th November bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Although having reported an expected arrival in San Juan on the 7th December, the single-handed sailor has not updated his position for a few days now by means of a ‘SPOT’ device, resulting in family members ashore raising the alarm.

“Another vessel which initially departed Bermuda with ‘Exception’, reported that the vessel had some electrical issue on-board.

“U.S. Coast Guard aircraft have searched the area of his last known position while also focusing on a position 200 miles SSE Bermuda and area north of Puerto Rico.”

The C-130 aircraft were dispatched from Elizabeth City and San Juan, and stopped briefly in Bermuda at noon today, and are set to continue searching south of the island.

“RCC Bermuda continues to assist the U.S. Coastguard [Norfolk, Virginia and Elizabeth City Air Station] with logistics in Bermuda,” the Duty Officer added.

Update 4.42pm: The Duty Officer said, “U.S. Coast Guard aircraft have searched the area of his last known position while also focusing on a position 200 miles SSE Bermuda and area north of Puerto Rico.

“Both C-130 aircraft dispatched from Elizabeth City and San Juan overnight have since returned to base while another C-130 departed Bermuda this afternoon to continuing searching south of the island.

“RCC Bermuda continues to assist the U.S. Coastguard [Norfolk, Virginia and Elizabeth City Air Station] with logistics in Bermuda.